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How to Register a Dog: A Complete Guide
Registering a dog is straightforward once you know which registry applies to your breed and what documents you need. Here's the complete process.
Step-by-Step: How to Register Your Dog
Step 1: Gather your documents
Collect your dog's birth date, color, sex, and the registration papers for both parents (if available). If you are registering a litter, you need both sire and dam papers.
Step 2: Choose your registry
Select the appropriate registry for your breed. American Bulldogs: ABRA. AKC-recognized breeds: AKC. Performance dogs: UKC or NKC.
Step 3: Complete the registration application
Fill out the registration form online or by mail. For ABRA, visit abra1st.com. For AKC, visit akc.org.
Step 4: Pay the registration fee
ABRA: $20 flat rate. AKC: approximately $38. Fees may vary.
Step 5: Receive your registration certificate
You will receive an official registration certificate documenting your dog's lineage and registration number. Keep this in a safe place.
Registering an American Bulldog with ABRA
ABRA (American Bulldog Registry and Archives) is the official registry for American Bulldogs. Registration is $20 for individual dogs, litters, and ownership transfers.
Dog Registration
Register an individual American Bulldog with full pedigree documentation.
$20
Litter Registration
Register a litter and receive individual puppy papers for each pup.
$20
Transfer of Ownership
Transfer registration when selling or rehoming a dog.
$20
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to register a dog?
Requirements vary by registry, but typically you need: the dog's date of birth, color and markings, sex, the registered names and registration numbers of both parents, and a fee payment. For AKC registration, you need litter registration paperwork from the breeder.
Can I register a dog without papers?
Some registries (like UKC) allow registration based on three generations of visual inspection (pedigree by description). ABRA and AKC require documented lineage. If your dog has no papers, you can register with a performance or working registry, or use a DNA-based registry service.
What is the difference between AKC, ABRA, UKC, and NKC?
AKC (American Kennel Club) registers all AKC-recognized breeds. ABRA (American Bulldog Registry and Archives) is the primary registry specific to American Bulldogs, maintaining the most complete pedigree archive for the breed. UKC (United Kennel Club) accepts more breeds and types. NKC (National Kennel Club) is a performance and working dog registry.
Does registering my dog mean it's purebred?
Registration documents lineage as reported by the breeder -- it does not certify purity. A reputable registry with multi-generation pedigree records provides stronger evidence of lineage than a single-generation certificate.
How much does it cost to register a dog?
AKC individual registration: approximately $38. ABRA registration: $20 flat rate (dogs, litters, transfers). UKC: $35-$55 depending on breed. Prices current as of 2026.
What is a transfer of ownership in dog registration?
When a dog changes hands, the new owner registers the transfer with the registry to update the official ownership record. ABRA charges $20 for transfers. This is important for maintaining accurate pedigree records and proving legitimate ownership.
American Bulldog Registry and Archives (ABRA)
ABRA maintains the most complete pedigree database for American Bulldogs -- over 42,000 records, searchable for free.
